Homecoming Week is a big deal. 

Across the country, schools are having dances, dress-up days, and the tradition of a Friday night football game. But for team manager Bruce Argall, this week is different. 

“This team knows what’s ahead of it, and they are determined to make the playoffs. They know they need to win this game.”

Neenah last beat Kimberly in 2006, Argall thinks that this might change on Friday night.

He believes that the stars are aligned for a potential Neenah victory.

 “It is the homecoming game, and this team knows they need to win.” 

In 2018, Neenah comes the closest to beating Kimberly. Neenah loses 7-3 in the second round of the playoffs.

Since then, Kimberly continues to hold back the Rockets.

This year Neenah has a record of 4-3.  Neenah notes impressive wins against Menasha and Fond du Lac.

Kimberly remains unbeaten at 7-0. Kimberly has beaten Appleton North and Fond du Lac.

The Rockets thrive with long sustained drives, while Kimberly’s features hard and fast running. 

Argall says that the key to the win is: “Neenah has to keep the Kimberly offense off the field and eat up big chunks of the clock. If Neenah can give our defense a break, it will give us more energy against that tough Kimberly offense. The defense needs to try and stop the run and not allow the big plays Kimberly is known for.”

Despite what happens Friday, Argall has a bright outlook on the future of Neenah football.

The junior class is solid, and the current sophomore class will only grow during the offseason. This is a good sign for the Rockets, building a program takes time, and when players have the talent it makes it much easier. The talented classes who will be here next year might be a sign of what is to come for Neenah Football.